European Diplomats Visit Syria Amid Political Transition

Top diplomats from Germany and France visited Syria on Friday, marking the first official European Union delegation since the fall of former President Bashar Assad. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and civil society representatives to discuss a political transition in the war-torn country.

The visit comes after the Islamist insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Assad last month, ending his 54-year autocracy. Baerbock emphasized the need for an inclusive political process that ensures rights and protection for all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Al-Sharaa, who has sought to distance himself from his extremist past, acknowledged that elections could take years due to the need for constitutional reforms and political dialogue.

During their visit, the diplomats toured the notorious Saydnaya prison and met with representatives of the White Helmets, a civil defense group. Baerbock and Barrot also visited their countries’ embassies, which had been closed for over a decade. Barrot described the reopening of the French Embassy as a symbol of hope for a ‘sovereign, stable, and peaceful Syria.’

However, concerns remain about the inclusivity of the new leadership. Al-Sharaa’s refusal to shake hands with Baerbock during their meeting has sparked debate about the treatment of women under HTS rule. Women’s rights advocates fear that the group’s past governance in Idlib, which excluded female politicians, may foreshadow a similar approach in Damascus.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 people overnight, including women and children, as ceasefire talks resumed in Qatar. The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.